YEREVAN. – Temporary closure of the Upper Lars checkpoint should not become another convenient excuse to raise prices, chairman of Consumers Association of Armenia NGO Armen Poghosyan said.

“Upper Lars checkpoint is the only route for Russian goods to Armenia. Of course, there are ferries and ships through the Black Sea, but Armenia is not importing large consignment of food items so that ferry could be used,” he said during a press conference on Saturday.

Some products may not be enough, or they will have to drive them through Iran, which will make the goods more expensive. However, Poghosyan noted that the traders are well aware of accidents happening at Upper Lars from time to time.

“So, you need to keep in stock a little more than usual. Upper Lars will not be closed forever, but for a week or two,” he emphasized.